Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is not just a legal obligation — it is a smart way to stay financially compliant and claim your tax refunds. Many individuals postpone ITR filing until the last date, which often leads to errors and penalties.
In this detailed guide, we will cover how to file ITR online for FY 2025-26, which form to use, documents required, and the mistakes you must avoid.
1. Who Needs to File ITR?
You must file ITR if:
Your annual income exceeds ₹2.5 lakh (for individuals below 60 years)
You want to claim a tax refund
You have foreign income or assets
Your income is below taxable limit but you want to carry forward losses (e.g. capital loss)
2. Types of ITR Forms
Choosing the right form is crucial for smooth filing.
| Form | Who Should File |
|---|---|
| ITR-1 (Sahaj) | Salaried individuals with income up to ₹50L and no capital gains |
| ITR-2 | Individuals with capital gains, more than one house property, foreign income |
| ITR-3 | Individuals with business/professional income |
| ITR-4 (Sugam) | Presumptive income taxpayers (small businesses, professionals) |
3. Documents Required for ITR Filing
Before you start filing, keep these documents ready:
Form 16 (if salaried)
AIS & TIS (Annual Information Statement & Taxpayer Information Summary)
Bank statements
Details of investments (80C, NPS, etc.)
Capital gain statements (if you sold shares, mutual funds, or property)
PAN & Aadhaar
4. Step-by-Step Process to File ITR Online
Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in and log in using PAN and password.
Step 2: Choose “e-File” → “Income Tax Return”
Select the relevant Assessment Year (AY 2026-27 for FY 2025-26).
Step 3: Select the Correct ITR Form
The portal will suggest a form based on your profile. Verify and proceed.
Step 4: Fill in Income Details
Your income from salary, interest, and other sources will auto-populate from AIS/TIS. Cross-check and edit if required.
Step 5: Claim Deductions
Enter details of deductions like 80C, 80D, 80CCD(1B), HRA, home loan interest etc.
Step 6: Pay Remaining Tax (if any)
If there is outstanding tax, pay it online through net banking or UPI.
Step 7: Verify and Submit
Preview your ITR and submit. Verify using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or digital signature to complete the process.
5. Benefits of Filing ITR on Time
Avoid late filing penalties (₹1,000 – ₹5,000)
Get faster refunds
Easy loan approvals (banks often check ITR for past 2-3 years)
Visa applications (ITR is considered proof of income)
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing wrong ITR form
Missing interest income from savings or FD
Not verifying ITR after filing
Ignoring TDS mismatch in AIS/TIS
7. Due Dates for FY 2025-26
| Taxpayer Type | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Individual (Non-Audit) | 31 July 2026 |
| Individual (Audit Case) | 31 October 2026 |
Final Thoughts
Filing ITR is not as complicated as it seems if you plan ahead. By keeping your documents ready, choosing the correct ITR form, and double-checking deductions, you can file smoothly and avoid penalties.
💡 Pro Tip: If your finances are complex, hire a CA or use reliable tax filing software to avoid mistakes and get maximum refund.
